Make these thoughts stop

[Raiinbow08]

Im having extreme anxiety. I just woke up about 30 minutes ago. I’m stressed, I can not seem to get something off my mind and although this may sound silly, but this is what my anxiety does to me. So I’m currently sick at the moment. Out of nowhere it seems that I have gotten a small cold. My nostrils have closed up, or so it seems because I can’t breathe through them. The unfortunate moment when you lose sense of taste.

The unfortunate moment when you can’t breathe except through your mouth, and we all know how that is!

Well I start overthinking stuff and my mind is going 100 miles per hour with thoughts and questions in every which way. Why can’t I breathe? Is this cold going to turn into something worse and kill me? How did I get this cold? Is this the beginning of something much worse?

I feel like I’m having palpitations because of me alone worrying and working myself up. The worst thoughts running through my head are, what if I’m home alone and while I’m eating, I start choking on food? Who will save me? I am alone throughout the day, only with my 3 year old. He couldn’t possibly save me or let alone call 911. I would die instantly. My 3 year old would be left alone for hours or some time before my husband came home and found me. My 3 year old would be scarred and traumatized for life. My husband would have to break the news to my family (whom I don’t speak to) that I’m gone. My kids would be motherless. Could I make it if I ran to the neighbors house for help? Would I be able to dial 911 myself if I’m choking? This is what anxiety is for me.

I KNOW and I’m aware that death is a natural part of life, but I’m immensely terrified of the thought. We just lost someone in our family as well and it’s making me think too much. Like the older generation in our family are slowly dying. We are next, and I just can’t deal. 🖤

[Hidden]

I'm sorry. We lost someone too just a month ago at our home with family there. A sudden heart attack. It is traumatic. Once I made peace with dying all of that anxiety went away. I will go with God I know and I have no control so there no use in worrying about it. It's a real big step though, I know, but possible for you to do.

[ksquig in reply to Hidden]

Melhall, what techniques did you use to accept death? It’s something I struggle with and I’d love to know what worked for you!

[Hidden in reply to ksquig]

I feared car wrecks for years and I finally had a huge one where the car caught fire and I was trapped. I can barely drive on the highway anymore but I accepted death having come so close to it and it made me realize that you just can't control when it happens. I didn't have any therapy or use techniques. I just know that I better live now because the inevitable will happen someday, even tomorrow. I do understand when you lose someone it makes you think. For days I thought my husband was gonna die in his sleep like his dad did not long ago. As time passes, it will get easier. Death should not be scary because we will go be with God and all of our troubles will end and we will start a new beginning in Heaven. That's what I believe anyway.

[Hidden]

Hi Raiinbow when your airways are blocked you will feel increased anxiety as your breathing is slowed down. I know the feeling well - the anxiety just gets out of control and you feel mentally exhausted. I find nasal drops such as otrivine useful to help unblock the nose. I use vic ointment at night. I also cut down on milky foods as these increase the clogging mucous. If you can get some from your pharmacist but you could go online.

Chemist.co.uk and E Chemist Chemist Direct - are some of many online which can do good discounts which cover the cost of postage. You might find inhalations of steam with vic or mentholated crystals helpful. I use Sudofed to help unblock airways or Actifed tablets which can bring relief in an half an hour or less and lasts 8 hours. This works by dampening down the T cells which create histamines in the cold. Paracetomol will help too if you have these at hand.

As you will be mouth breathing during the day it might help to divert your attention to something else - I like knitting - or reading a magazine or book - or watching a comedy film or programme helps take your mind off the problem. When you feel better and can go out

you may find your doctor can revise or give you medication to help you. There are some websites which show how to visualise a beautiful scene, such as a sunny beach, with blue sea and imagine yourself there, can help control those anxious thoughts. You could always text your husband to let him know you are bunged up and feeling anxious and ask him how his day is. It's a long day when your husband is at work and you don't have contact with him during the day. Other tips when sleeping is to bank up your pillows so your posture will encourage the drainage of the mucous. When you blow your nose blow one side at a time blocking off the other nostril to stop too much pressure and nose bleeds. Lots of virtual hugs keep in contact to say how you are feeling.

[ksquig]

I also have really terrible anxiety about death, stopping breathing, and being in pain. It can be debilitating at times so my heart goes out to you! What techniques do you use to manage your anxiety? I have to tell myself to stop spiraling with my negative thoughts and then I force myself to think about three different good things. It takes work but my mind is slowly starting to redirect itself from constant negative thoughts to positive thinking. Hang in there!

[Sabio77]

Good evening rainbow08. I am sorry that you recently lost a family member. It can be difficult. I was wondering, have you tried talking to another family member, friends, neighbor or trained professional about the lost of your family member? It could help you work thru the process of how to overcome the anxiety that you are experiencing. Good news. You did the right thing reaching out to people on here. we are like family. We care how you are doing. I personally found out that if I try to think of positive things to replace the anxiety it creates a better point of view of the current moment. I will keep you in our prayers. Please keep us posted.